by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Michael Berube, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Sustainable Transportation at the Department of Energy shared this illuminating slide guide at ABLC on what the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE)’s goal is with bioenergy, biomass in sustainable transportation including sustainable aviation fuel, and more. READ
Government Resources
by Cassandra Sulmeisters (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Senior Research Fellow Bob McCormick was recently recognized with one of the highest honors by the American Chemical Society (ACS): the Henry H. Storch Award in Energy Chemistry for his research on alternative and low-carbon fuels, including the chemistry
(Scottish Enterprise) A new fund to help develop the emerging CO2 utilisation technology has been launched. The CO2 Utilisation Challenge Fund will help businesses and organisations develop and commercialise the technology, which involves harnessing and converting CO2 – the biggest contributor to climate change emissions – and using it to
(Preem) As part of the strategy to switch to large-scale renewable fuel production, Preem will sign a SEK 3 billion loan agreement with Swedish Export Credit Corporation (SEK). The loan is covered by the Swedish National Debt Office’s program for green credit guarantees. This is the first guarantee the Swedish National
(U.S. Department of Energy) Since 2018, a multi-laboratory consortium, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and guided by an industrial advisory board, has focused on adding co-processing of bio-oils into existing refinery units with petroleum feedstocks to produce sustainable transportation fuels. Together, this consortium addresses the most critical
(U.S. Department of Agriculture/Ethanol Producer Magazine) On April 12, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced steps the USDA is taking to implement President Biden’s plan to enable energy independence by boosting homegrown biofuels. “President Biden understands that by expanding our ability to meet our energy needs with homegrown biofuels, we can ensure a more
(Argonne National Laboratory) Made from organic waste, renewable natural gas is rapidly gaining ground as an alternative fuel source with the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Public and private interest in this low-carbon fuel has grown dramatically in recent years, said Marianne Mintz, principal transportation systems analyst at
(U.S. Department of Energy) What is the role of bioenergy in soil carbon storage? Bioenergy provides a powerful way to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, increase carbon storage in soils, and produce sustainable biomass feedstocks. On March 28–29, 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
(U.S. Department of Energy) On February 1, 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) hosted the Gen-1 Ethanol Opportunities: Improving Life Cycle GHG Benefits of Existing Biofuel Production Virtual Workshop. The workshop was designed to gather stakeholder input to assess the potential of current and developing technologies to meet BETO
(Missouri Department of Agriculture) Funds will generate more capacity for biofuels in Missouri. — The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) announced it has invested more than $2 million in projects that increase the distribution and use of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel in the State of Missouri. Expenses incurred
(Bergeson & Campbell) On April 6, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a webinar on “New Chemical Risk Management Actions under TSCA.” As reported in our January 24, 2022, blog item, in January 2022, EPA announced an effort to streamline the review of new biobased or waste-derived chemicals that could displace current,
(KLGR) Two Senate Ag Committee members recently urged the Environmental Protection Agency to update its greenhouse gas modeling for biofuels. Senators John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, and Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, asked the EPA to adopt the Argonne National Lab’s Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation,
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In South Dakota, The American Coalition for Ethanol submitted feedback to the Environmental Protection Agency’s request for comment on the current scientific understanding of greenhouse gas modeling of land-based crop biofuels. ACE CEO Brian Jennings and ACE Board Director Ron Alverson contributed to the feedback after attending
by Daniel B. Fishman and Anne Otwell (U.S. Department of Energy) National laboratories discover the telltale signs of algae distress to target effective treatments and mitigate crop collapse. — Algae are an exciting renewable feedstock for the future of sustainable fuels and products. One particularly interesting application, which the U.S.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you want to know what is being done to overcome current limitations for conversion of algae biomass to fuels and bioproducts by efficient utilization of proteins and carbohydrates, which are the dominant components of algae biomass at high growth rate and more, check out
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 50-70% of bioprocessing costs are associated with separations, so there is a need to raise technical maturity of separations for biomass-derived intermediate and product streams while reducing costs and addressing the major separation challenges. So what is the U.S. DOE BETO Bioprocessing Separations Consortium doing
by Kristen Mally Dean (Argonne National Laboratory) Using hydrous ethanol as a dual fuel in internal combustion engines may help reduce greenhouse gases in the rail industry. — … Essam El-Hannouny, a principal mechanical engineer at the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory, won a Technology Commercialization Fund (TCF) Award
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) NREL is focusing on commodity productswith sufficient market sizes to aid biofuels production (e.g., adipic acid), working with Lignin Util. & SepConfor lignin substrates, and developing innovative biocatalysts and bioprocesses for lignin valorization. Get all the latest on their progress and research outcomes so far
by Valerie Sarisky-Reed (U.S. Department of Energy) … The journal Nature Biotechnology recently published a paper featuring cutting-edge work funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO). The article details a carbon-negative platform that uses microorganisms to convert carbon captured from agricultural, industrial, and societal waste streams into useful chemicals.
(Chemical Processing) Novel electrocatalyst-based system operates at mild conditions and produces hydrogen — A research team at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, Wash., has developed a patent-pending system that uses a flow cell bioreactor to turn carbon previously considered unrecoverable from so-called biocrude (aqueous waste streams) into valuable
by Estella Shi, Will Sommer, Andrew Smiddy (U.S. Energy Information Administration) In our Annual Energy Outlook 2022 (AEO2022) Reference case, which reflects current laws and regulations, we project that renewable diesel supply (domestic production and net imports) will exceed biodiesel supply in the near term. We project that renewable diesel supply will increase to
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA in holding webinars on March 23 and April 6 related to its January 2022 announcement that the agency is launching a new initiative under the Toxic Substances Control Act that aims to streamline the review of new biobased fuels and chemicals that could be
(Red River Farm Network) The Minnesota Corn Growers Association is closely monitoring an effort in the state legislature that would allow year-round use of E15. The petroleum marketers came to the corn growers with a proposal to market higher ethanol blends in the state. “Their concern, of course, is what
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Topsoe’s Mikala Grubb stepped in. “What we have is a solids to liquids conversion problem.” The room went quiet, quiet like a church. “750 delegates negotiating in a small hotel but you can hear a watch ticking,” that silence. What she was describing was the
(Newswise/Argonne National Laboratory) New chemical separations enable battery recycling, biodiesel — When recycling cans and bottles, at some point it becomes necessary to separate out plastic from metal. When recycling car batteries, getting out the most valuable metals also requires a separation, but this time it entails a specific kind of chemical
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing new and updated resources to support states as they work to address the climate crisis and reduce climate pollution. These resources include new state-level data on greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and sinks, updates to EPA’s existing State Inventory Tool
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium is led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and coordinates efforts among 9 labs – big ones like NREL, ORNL, Sandia, INL and others. Check out the FCIC’s latest slide guide on their current research areas, feedstock
(U.S. Department of Energy) Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory is striving to bring more low- and zero-net-carbon sustainable aviation fuel to the market. The equivalent of 30,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools—that’s how much jet fuel the United States consumes in a typical
(U.S. Department of Energy ) On December 1, 2021, a United 737 Max 8 carried more than 100 passengers from Chicago to Washington, D.C.—just one of roughly 87,000 flights over the United States that day. Reporters and TV crews gathered to meet the travelers on the tarmac because this flight differed
(FlexFuelForward.com/National Renewable Energy Laboratory) You don’t need x-ray vision to see if your fueling infrastructure is compatible with E15. Just use Flex Check to search components by manufacturer, model number, or component category (such as: above ground equipment, above ground tank, overfill prevention, piping, pumping equipment, release detection, and others). If
by Jay Stowe (GE Aviation/Biobased Diesel Daily) After leading USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack on a tour of the engine development assembly facility at GE Aviation’s headquarters in Evendale, Ohio, in early December, chief engineer Chris Lorence posed a rhetorical question to the reporters assembled for a news conference: “What does the
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) empowers energy companies and aviation stakeholders by supporting advances in research, development, and demonstration to overcome barriers for widespread deployment of low-carbon sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAF made from renewable biomass and waste resources have the potential to deliver the performance of
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) is driving research and development on a wide range of technologies and manufacturing improvements that make biofuels and bioproducts cost competitive and effective at meeting the needs of people and businesses. This fact sheet provides an overview of
(U.S. Department of Energy) In an effort to build a 100% clean energy economy, the United States is investing in research to develop innovative products made from biological material. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet these goals will require more than solely replacing fossil fuels used for transportation. Reductions must also
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office supports public and private partners that work to improve and increase the use of algae for production of biofuels and bioproducts. This fact sheet provides an overview of this support. Algae: A Single Cell for Multiple Solutions Fact Sheet
by Amy Mayer (Agri-Pulse) A minor oilseed may be poised to take on a larger role as climate-smart policies emphasize low carbon fuels and the soil health benefits of cover crops. Camelina is seen by some as a cover crop that recoups a farmer’s investment because it can be harvested instead
Moving Emerging Tech and Rural Development Forward: The Digest’s 2021 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA RBCS
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) loan guarantees, grants, and technical assistance support the bioeconomy and rural economic development, so what are some of these programs? What are some of the biogas and biobased programs and where can you find more information on programs available to
(Aemetis) Aemetis contracts with the city of Riverbank, California for lease/purchase of an industrial site with 710,000 square feet of production buildings, four miles of railroad, and power substation — Aemetis, Inc.(NASDAQ: AMTX), a leading producer of dairy Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and developer of the “Carbon Zero” renewable jet/diesel biorefineries,
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released a new Request for Information (RFI) on the scale-up and demonstration of renewable fuels. The RFI, titled “Overcoming Barriers to Renewable Fuel Scale-Up and Demonstration,” seeks input from biofuels producers and technology developers about their readiness to scale process
by Kevin Morrison (Argus Media) Australia’s federal government will provide A$33.5mn ($23.8mn) in funding to support the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and sustainable marine fuel as part of a new round of financial support of around A$110mn for the country’s aviation sector. The rest of the funding will be
(Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA/Federal Register)This Notice is to invite applications under the Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) for fiscal year (FY) 2022, subject to availability of funding. This Notice is being issued in order to allow applicants enough time to leverage financing, prepare and submit their applications, and give the Agency
by Lynn Wendt (Idaho National Laboratory) … Loblolly pine, or more specifically the pine residue from commercial tree harvesting in Southern U.S. forests, has the potential for a major impact on bioenergy infrastructure. Its low cost and widespread abundance have made it a promising domestic biomass resource for fuels, chemicals,
(Blue Biofuels/Globe Newswire) Blue Biofuels, Inc. (PINK: BIOF) Blue Biofuels, Inc. (the “Company” or “BIOF”) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (“USDA ARS”) are collaborating on optimizing the yields of Pennisetum hybridum, commonly known as king grass, a perennial grass biomass crop, that the Company is using as feedstock
(Valencia Plaza (Google Translation)) The Valencia City Council has begun to install the 300 new domestic oil recycling containers, which are expected to be located in different streets and squares of the city of Valencia until the beginning of next year, according to municipal sources. The vice mayor and councilor for
(Health Effects Institute) A new report published by HEI brings together for the first time comprehensive global estimates of the most common sources of fine particulate matter (PM) air pollution and its impacts on global health. Key findings in the report, Global Burden of Disease from Major Air Pollution Sources (GBD MAPS), show
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) In the Push To Settle the Red Planet, One Startup Company Thinks NREL’s Ethylene-Emitting Cyanobacteria Offer Otherworldly Potential — Do not expect to breathe freely in the oxygen-lean Martian air. At about 95% carbon dioxide (CO2) by volume, Mars’ atmosphere would quickly lead to asphyxiation, at least
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked the U.S. Department of Agriculture for its announcement today of $700 million to provide COVID-19 pandemic aid for our nation’s biofuel producers. Originally announced in June, the aid package represents direct payments available for biofuel producers who faced unexpected market losses due to the pandemic,
by Mary Ann Showalter (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) Bioenergy experts identify critical areas, opportunities for bringing technology to aviation industry — A report has been published summarizing a workshop designed to accelerate the commercialization of hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) technology for producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The report, “Hydrothermal Liquefaction: Path to
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Bioenergy Technologies Office has awarded an additional $350,000 in funding to scientists at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to develop a pilot scale system for turning biomass into sustainable aviation fuel. The NREL team has published new research about its fully integrated process to produce a fuel
(Agile BioFoundry) The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) supports groundbreaking technologies from the DOE national laboratories and industry partners. Two of these partners, the Agile BioFoundry and Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit (ABPDU), are joining forces to advance biomanufacturing and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “This is a notable partnership,”
(California Air Resources Board/Biobased Diesel Daily) The California Air Resources Board contracted with the University of California at Riverside Bourns College of Engineering-Center for Environmental Research and Technology to evaluate oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter emissions from the use of renewable diesel/biodiesel blends in one on-road and one off-road
by Estella Shi (Hydrocarbon Processing) In October 2021, the EIA began publishing expanded data on biofuels other than ethanol in their monthly energy review (MER), including production, imports, feedstocks, and consumption. The expanded biofuels data provide a more detailed look at fuels previously grouped under renewable fuels except for ethanol, which
(Australian Renewable Energy Agency) The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has today (November 23, 2021) announced that it will play a key role in the development and delivery of the German-Australian Hydrogen Innovation and Technology Incubator known as HyGATE. ARENA will team up with Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research
(Terravesta) Support for UK bioenergy is gathering pace. On Energy Day at COP26, the government issued a Biomass Policy Statement (BPS) which recognises the role bioenergy plays in delivering both global and UK net zero targets. It’s been issued alongside the recent biomass call for evidence to help develop policies to support
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) … One approach to making soy jet fuel relies on the use of a precious metal called ruthenium to catalyze reactions that chemically modify the structure and properties of the oil’s unsaturated fatty acids. The problem with this approach is that it generates too few aromatic compounds,
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) Biological Conversion Makes It Possible To Upcycle Polyester Into Performance-Advantaged Bioproducts — From overflowing landfills to floating garbage islands in the oceans to microplastics in remote wilderness areas, billions of tons of discarded plastic have created a global pollution crisis. NREL and ORNL researchers have developed a
by Steven Ashby (Tri-City Herald) … Scientists at DOE’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are among those conducting research related to carbon capture and storage. Building on their first-of-its-kind demonstration project to inject CO2 into the basalt in nearby Wallula, Wash., they are advancing solutions that could be replicated around the world. More
(U.S. Energy Information Administration) Carbon fees as high as $35 per metric ton could decrease U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by as much as 19% compared to 2020 levels, according to analysis from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). In its Analysis of Carbon Fee Runs Using the Annual Energy Outlook
(International Renewable Energy Agency) New roadmaps on green hydrogen support policy makers to enable net zero commitments. — The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the World Economic Forum launched today a jointly developed series of “Enabling Measures Roadmaps for Green Hydrogen” at the UN Climate Conference COP26 in Glasgow. The new
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Barriers to Scale: Algae Crop Protection Workshop covered the topic of algae crop protection to facilitate scaling of the algae industry. The workshop convened experts in algal research and production, as well as from those outside the industry such as regulatory bodies and agriculture/aquaculture experts, to discuss where
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Investment, Climate smart agriculture. Incentives. Markets. These are words heard repeatedly at the opening sessions of the Alternative Fuels and Chemicals Coalition Global Biobased Economy Conference & Exhibit this week near Washington, DC. The first day of the conference was the US Department of
(U.S. Grains Council/GrainNet) A new study conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is out now that shows all vehicles in the study countries are highly likely to be compatible with E10. Motorcycles and scooters similarly analyzed in India and Indonesia have full compatibility with E10, and many are also compatible with E15. The
by Jennifer Nichols (Atlantic News Telegraph) … (Congressman Cindy) Axne, along with USDA’s Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small visited Elite Octane Tuesday morning, and said the bill includes $2 billion for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to provide grants to farmers and small
by Katy Christiansen (Department of Energy) …The first tool, Feedstock to Function, addresses one of the biggest hurdles involved in starting biojet fuel research: knowing whether a molecule could be viable as a fuel. “During early stage development, we are often missing experimentally measured properties of viable jet fuel molecules,” said
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The National Academy of Sciences concluded that bioeconomy pathways are among the largest potential contributors to carbon drawdown, which is essential to avoiding the worst long-term impacts of climate change. The goal of a Lawrence Livermore National Lab and UC Berkeley project is to quantify
by Ariana Fine (NGT News) The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and clean hydrogen company Electric Hydrogen have signed an agreement to develop high-performance electrolyzer components, helping to scale clean hydrogen and invent new opportunities for decarbonization. The three-year, $3.6 million collaboration will diagnose sources of degradation in commercial electrolysis cells and will
(Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking) The European Parliament voted today in favour of Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), the successor of BBI JU, by adopting a legislative proposal on the establishment of joint undertakings for the 2021-2027 period. The Council of the EU is expected to adopt the proposal by
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … So, here’s what our intrepid team led by Jeffrey Blackburn and Wei Xiong did. Knowing that plants have two systems inside them for photosynthesis, and that the second doesn’t play well with others, the genetically engineered cyanobacteria to shut down the pathway and then snapped the re-imagined cell to
(U.S. Department of Energy) In our International Energy Outlook 2021, we estimate the global light-duty vehicle (LDV) fleet contained 1.31 billion vehicles in 2020, and we project this fleet will grow to 2.21 billion vehicles by 2050. We project electric vehicles (EVs)—any LDV with a charging plug—will grow from 0.7% of the
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) A more sustainable farming sector, lower industrial emissions, more efficient biochemical production—National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) scientists and industry partners expect sizable benefits from three new projects to commercialize bioinsecticides, enzymatic carbon dioxide (CO2) utilization, and cell-free biocatalysis. Pulling a combined $750,000 from the U.S. Department
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) With the recent announcement of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge, the U.S. Department of Energy’s BETO shared this slide guide on their sustainable aviation fuel strategy, featuring BETO Director, Dr. Valerie Sarisky-Reed, and Zia Haq, BETO Senior Analyst. From types of SAF feedstocks to
(SoCalGas) The reactor is part of a $5 million project funded by the Department of Energy — SoCalGas’ biomethanation reactor system will be used to help produce renewable energy as part of a power-to-gas demonstration. This system will be installed at an anaerobic digester facility in Clinton, Maine in early 2023.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This just released slide guide looks at the Co-optimization of Fuels & Engines initiative’s accomplishments, what might come next for internal combustion engine research in a rapidly changing world, factoring in increased vehicle electrification and a pressing need to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation,
by Amanda Barry (Los Alamos National Laboratory) … When we talk about algae, we’re really talking about a diverse group of organisms that thrive in a plethora of environments, from seawater to freshwater, from pulp mill ponds to hot springs. Some are strict phototrophs and can only use light for
(CGIAR) The Government of India’s concerted efforts to replace 20% fossil fuels with ethanol blends by 2025 is attracting agricultural entrepreneurs to invest in renewable energy. This week, Mr Lalit Jhawar and Mr Mayank Gupta, two young IIT graduates running a profitable farming venture in Maharashtra, accompanied by biofuel experts Mr YB
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Argonne National Laboratory’s Systems Assessment Center on Oct. 11 announced the 2021 release of the suite of GREET models, an analytical tool that stimulates the energy use and emissions output of vehicle and fuel combinations. Major expansions and updates included in GREET 2021 include those
by Ariana Fine (NGT News) The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and clean hydrogen company Electric Hydrogen have signed an agreement to develop high-performance electrolyzer components, helping to scale clean hydrogen and invent new opportunities for decarbonization. The three-year, $3.6 million collaboration will diagnose sources of degradation in commercial electrolysis cells and will
by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Significantly increasing the use of low-carbon renewable fuels like ethanol follows along different tracks. Legislatively, for example, there’s the bipartisan Clean Fuels Vehicle Act of 2021, which would provide incentives for automakers to build more flex-fuel vehicles that can run on higher blends like
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today an investment of more than $146 million in sustainable agricultural research projects aimed at improving a robust, resilient, climate-smart food and agricultural system. This investment is made under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Sustainable
by Meghan Gordon and Maya Weber (S&P Global) …EIA expects global energy demand to increase 47% in the next 30 years, driven by population and economic growth, particularly in developing Asian countries. This will require increased oil and natural gas production, absent technological breakthroughs or significant policy changes. Liquid fuel
(U.S. Department of Energy) Tthe U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced nearly $8 million for nine cooperative projects that will complement existing H2@Scale efforts and support DOE’s Hydrogen Shot goal to drive down the cost of clean hydrogen by 80% within the decade. The selected projects, or cooperative research and development agreements (CRADAs), will
Building Trust in Sustainable Biomass: The Digest’s 2021 Multi-Slide Guide to Biomass Communications
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed Oak Ridge National Lab’s Keith Kline’s introductory remarks at ABLC Digital, now’s your chance to check out his slide guide covering how to build public confidence and trust in the role of biomass in sustainable circular economies. READ MORE
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) … The agency announced on Wednesday plans to tap funds from the Commodity Credit Corp. as part of what USDA calls a “comprehensive investment package.” The $3 billion package is aimed at supporting drought resilience and response, animal disease prevention, market disruption relief and purchase
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There are literally tons of food waste per year but biofilm can help increase hydrolysis and methanogenesis reaction rates and help solve anaerobic digestion challenges. Take a look at Argonne National Lab’s latest on how they are improving reaction kinetics to increase methane yield while reducing
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Energy Information Administration on Sept. 3 for the first time released U.S. capacity data for biorefineries that produce renewable diesel, renewable heating oil, renewable jet fuel, renewable naphtha and gasoline, and “other” renewable fuels and intermediate products. As of Jan. 1, 2021, the EIA
(EcoEngineers) Guide gives Iowans a glimpse into emerging RNG industry and its opportunities — The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) have spent several years talking about and exploring biogas potential in the State of Iowa. Both groups remain committed to broadening Iowa’s renewable energy base, creating new job opportunities, and
(Ready.gov) Emergencies and disasters can be scary, but there are ways to help you stay safe before, during, and even after a disaster. Here, you can play games to become a Disaster Master and learn how to build an emergency kit. You will meet our friend Pedro the Penguin, who
(Department of Energy/Argonne National Laboratory/EurekAlert!) Argonne’s Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technologies Model (GREET), using data provided by Gevo, is expected to yield results about its carbon footprint within a few months. The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory recently partnered with Gevo, Inc., a Colorado-based
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest reported a few days ago on the Biden administration’s goal of reaching 3 billion gallons of sustainable aviation fuel by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050 but how do we get there? NREL shares this illuminating slide guide on how to reach
(Missouri Department of Agriculture/Biobased Diesel Daily) The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority announced Sept. 2 the Biofuel Infrastructure Incentive Program to increase the distribution and use of biofuels in the state of Missouri. Funds will be awarded to fuel retailers, fuel distributors, terminal companies or fleet operations that dispense,
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Projects Will Support Climate-Smart Solutions to Lower Energy Costs in 48 States and Puerto Rico — U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the Department is investing $464 million to build or improve renewable energy infrastructure (PDF, 631 KB) and to help rural communities, agricultural producers
(U.S. Department of Energy) Projects align with administration’s new goal of decarbonizing the aviation sector by 2050 – – As part of a White House roundtable to launch the Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) Grand Challenge to decarbonize the aviation sector by 2050, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $64.7 million in funding for projects focused on producing cost-effective, low-carbon biofuels. These investments will advance technologies to create replacements for petroleum fuels used in heavy-duty forms of transportation, like airplanes and
(BioCycle Magazine) The City of Longmont has five bays and 16 fueling positions for its current fleet of RNG-fueled collection vehicles. — In 2018, the City of Longmont, Colorado began construction of a renewable natural gas (RNG) project at its Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) to make fuel to utilize in
(Argonne National Laboratory/Tech Xplore) Marine shipping traffic has grown steadily over the past decade—and so have the associated greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon emissions from ships grew almost 10% between 2012 and 2018, and the industry is a large consumer of petroleum fuel. Substituting biofuel could reduce the amount of greenhouse
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) … NREL is validating utility-scale hydrogen-production processes that could provide tomorrow’s clean fuels and chemical feedstocks to produce low-carbon, high-value products. New IP To Simplify Renewable Hydrogen Reactions Renewable hydrogen could fit into future low-carbon energy systems like a missing puzzle piece: It can be produced
(Maryland Energy Administration) The program provides financial assistance for the purchase of new and converted alternative fueled fleet vehicles registered in the state of Maryland. Specifically, the program provides funding to support the incremental cost to purchase alternative fuel fleet vehicles or convert new fleet vehicles to utilize alternative fuel. Program
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Enabling biorefineries to achieve 50% reductions in time to bioprocess scale-up, as compared to the current average of 10 years, is what the U.S. Department of Energy aims to do by establishing a distributed Agile BioFoundry to productionize synthetic biology. Find out how they are
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office’s Nichole Fitzgerald, Program Manager, shared this short but sweet slide guide on BETO’s goals for 2021-2030 with large volumes of biomass being critical to achieving those goals, why they are looking at CO2 removal, feedstock technologies program
(U.S. Department of Energy) Ten years ago, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory announced the opening of a brand new, 15,000-square-foot facility full of stainless steel state-of-the-art bioprocessing equipment – what we now know as the Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit, or ABPDU, was officially open for business. Funded by the U.S.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The U.S Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office aims to verify integrated systems research at engineering scale for hydrocarbon biofuel technologies at mature modeled MFSP of $3.00/GGE with a minimum 50% reduction in emissions by 2022. And by 2030, build and operate 4-5 Demonstration scale
by Tim Theiss (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) A multi-laboratory team of scientists led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is studying the feasibility of using energy-dense biofuels such as biocrude and bio-oil to meet new emissions regulations for cargo ships. Cargo vessels ferrying commodities around the world are powered by two-stroke
(U.S. Department of Energy) Nine Research Projects Will Advance Cost-Effective Carbon Capture Technologies — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $24 million in funding for nine research projects to explore and develop new methods of capturing and storing carbon from the air. Direct Air Capture (DAC) is an expanding field in decarbonization and a key facet of the plan to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. “Finding ways to remove and store carbon directly from
by Adam Bratis (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) … I recount that moment at Kitty Hawk because I believe we stand at another pivot in the rich history of aviation. To avoid the worst effects of climate change, we must rapidly and permanently reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) across our economy,
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Projects Will Increase Availability of Biofuels by 822 Million Gallons Annually — Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $26 million to build infrastructure to expand the availability of higher-blend renewable biofuels (PDF, 177 KB) by 822
(Pacific Northwest National Laboratory/Phys.Org) A patented process for converting alcohol sourced from renewable or industrial waste gasses into jet or diesel fuel is being scaled up at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory with the help of partners at Oregon State University and the carbon-recycling experts at LanzaTech.
(U.K. Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, The Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, and The Rt Hon Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP) First-ever vision to kick start world-leading hydrogen economy set to support over 9,000 UK jobs and unlock £4 billion investment by 2030. consultation also launched to look at ways to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The power of water – the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory knows what that means in many ways, but how about making fuel when and where you need it when deployed overseas or in remote island locations? Fuel at point of use translates into “Freedom of
(Government of Spain/Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE)) Linked to an investment of 162 million, they will accelerate the energy transition in the production of beer, milk, cheese, meat, fertilizers, fuels or the air conditioning of greenhouses — The beneficiaries are in the autonomous communities of Andalusia, Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Bioindustrial Manufacturing Innovation Institute was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense and aims to propel R&D products towards commercial viability and enable U.S. domestic bioindustrial manufacturing at all scales. Get the latest on BioMADE’s work to scale-up engineered strains, partnerships to make it
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Biomass is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy and this slide guide from BETO’s Acting Director, Valerie Reed, highlights the role that bioenergy and biomass plays in decarbonizing the economy, worldwide SAF production projection, BETO’s strategies to accelerate demonstration and deployment and more. READ
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Deputy Assistant Secretary for Sustainable TransportationMichael Berube shared this slide guide at ABLC Digital on EERE’s 5 priorities, context for transportation decarbonization, low-carbon fuel for large vehicles (like planes, trains, trucks, and ships), how DOE can help enable SAF deployment, and more. READ MORE
(National Farmers Union) On Friday, Growth Energy, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Biodiesel Board, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, and the Renewable Fuels Association sent a letter to the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance and the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means outlining its recommendations for
by Zia Abdullah (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) researchers can accurately predict reaction rates and optimal conditions for making biofuels. Their secret? Complex math to sketch the intricate chemistry and physics that drive catalytic fast pyrolysis. Catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) reactors transform the renewable carbon in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Leveraging existing refining infrastructure leverages billions US$ in CAPEX and 5 million bpd of crude refining. NREL, PNNL, and LANL is tackling how to accelerate adoption of co-processing biomass-derived feedstocks with petroleum streams in operating petroleum refineries to produce biogenic carbon containing fuels. READ MORE
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … The good news is for the first time since the creation of the Innovation Fund, the EU’s latest investment of €118 million (about $140 million) into 32 small innovative projects located in 14 EU Member States, Iceland and Norway that can make a difference, bringing
by Trevor Smith (U.S. Department of Energy) … But new fuel blendstocks from biomass and waste resources, combined with advanced engine designs, are bringing us ever closer to a vision of clean transportation. Achieving this vision is critical for meeting our nation’s renewed goals for reducing greenhouse gases in the
(California Energy + Power/Business Wire) California Ethanol + Power (CE+P) announced today (August 3, 3021) that it is partnering with the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), a Bioenergy Research Center of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop scalable next-generation renewable energy products using biomass from CE+P’s planned sugarcane ethanol facility
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How can anaerobic membrane bioreactors increase wet waste’s net energy yield? That’s exactly what University of Illinois scientists are working on to develop improved AnMBR and integrate it into pilot demonstration. Find out their results so far, if they were able to improve wet waste
by Allan Brettman (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) Discerning leaf-cutter ants know what food they like to eat. They turn up their scent-detecting antennae at some plant material in soils in favor of others that fungus has degraded just the way they like it. That’s partly because the ants helped cultivate the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Where I come from, rubbish is used as a verb, meaning to denigrate, and there’s been an awful lot of rubbishing going around with respect to aviation. Once, we Flew the Friendly Skies, but these days, the runways are getting surly, and when the UK government issued
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) By Combining Electrochemistry With Fermentation, NREL’s Biorefining Process Could Both Increase Fuel Yields and Recycle Carbon Dioxide — As much as one-third of the carbon in sugar is lost as carbon dioxide (CO2) during fermentation processes that use biomass to make renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Data – we all need it. And the Biofuels Information Center provides essential bioenergy data, information, and tools to educate stakeholders on all aspects of biofuels. Where do they get the data from? How does the data help bioenergy companies? What does the latest data
(GTI) GTI is pleased to announce it has recently entered into licensing agreements with the Global LPG Partnership (GLPGP) and BioLPG, LLC (BioLPG), for GTI’s Cool LPG technology that indicates utility for decarbonizing energy systems and supplying green LPG for both the developing and developed worlds. The Cool LPG technology
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy on July 19 released its 2021 U.S. Energy Employment Report, which shows jobs in biobased fuels fell last year, but at a lower rate than overall job losses in the U.S. fuel sector. … Employers in the corn ethanol
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the selection of 6 projects totaling over $5 million to conduct research and development needed to accelerate the U.S. biomanufacturing sector. As part of the DOE Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) Agile BioFoundry (ABF) consortium, these projects will leverage national laboratory capabilities to address challenges in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As we continue with Gas Week, we’re providing you with 10 National Hydrogen Strategies between now and Friday. Today, the Big Kahuna (or Enchilada, if you like), the US, where actions have been lagging but ambitions growing and a refining base of scale and national
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Evaluating sustainable scale up of algae production systems, algal biofuels, and algal bioproducts is no easy task, but scientists at Argonne National Lab are looking into this by looking at the life cycle analysis of advanced algal systems to see just how feasible it really
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Creating a sustainable, inexpensive bioinsecticide that leverages the inherent chemical functionality from thermochemical biomass conversion that can improve biofuel economics is one of National Renewable Energy Lab’s goals. Take a look at bioinsecticide production using catalytic fast pyrolysis works, bioinsecticide trends, impacts on biorefining, and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Can biofuels production meet federal air quality regulations? At what cost? What are the emissions across the biofuels supply chain? What are the economic and human health impacts? Are there mitigation opportunities and approaches that work? READ MORE
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are pleased to announce the Phase 1 selections for the Waste-to-Energy Technical Assistance for Local Governments Program. This technical assistance program was created to mobilize national laboratory analyses and technical expertise around energy and resource
(Bio Market Insights) … Finding a way to increase crop yields without encroaching on either food crops or natural habitats is a novel challenge, but it is one that may soon have a solution. Researchers from Queensland University of Technology’s Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy (CAB) are looking into biotech
(U.S. Department of Energy) Projects Support DOE’s Recently Announced Hydrogen Energy Earthshot to Lower Cost, Advance Breakthroughs for Clean Hydrogen Technology — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $52.5 million to fund 31 projects to advance next-generation clean hydrogen technologies and support DOE’s recently announced Hydrogen Energy Earthshot initiative to reduce
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest)Optimizing and de-risking the deployment of biomass gasification processes by implementing physics-based simulations of feed handling and transportation unit operations was NREL’s goal as they did modeling and simulations to support Red Rock Biofuels during design and build of their commercial facility. Find out more about
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Determining the technical feasibility of using biofuels, especially bio-oils, for marine engine use, understanding the efficacy of biofuels in marine transport, looking at the impact on fuel handling systems and impact of bio-oils blended with market heavy fuel oils (HFO), is what Oak Ridge National
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technologies Model – aka GREET – can be used to address impacts and conduct life cycle analyses of biofuels and bioproducts. Check out Argonne National Laboratory’s BETO Peer Review presentation on how it works, why it’s
(U.S. Department of Energy/Biomass Magazine) A multi-laboratory team of scientists led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory is studying the feasibility of using energy-dense biofuels such as biocrude and bio-oil to meet new emissions regulations for cargo ships. Cargo vessels ferrying commodities around the world are powered by two-stroke engines that are
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) You’ve probably seen the IATA Tech Roadmap and ICAO’s goals for aviation’s CO2 emissions to decrease, but how do we get there? Check out this illuminating slide guide from BETO’s Peer Review where Sandia National Labs shows us the opportunities, the pathways, progress and outcomes for
Biomass, Lipid Yield Improvements: The Digest’s 2021 Multi-Slide Guide to Leveraging Algae for Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Did you know that adding plant substrate to some algae strains (not all!) can result in improved biomass and/or lipid production? That’s what Amanda Barry from Sandia National Labs reported in this slide guide on their investigation of top contender algae strains for large-scale biofuel
(U.S. Department of Energy) 2021 Technology Commercialization Fund Awards Connect Private-Sector Partners to DOE National Labs, Bolstering U.S. Competitiveness While Combating the Climate Crisis — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced over $30 million in federal funding, matched by over $35 million in private sector funds, for 68 projects
(NASA/PR Newswire) Cleaner-burning jet fuels made from sustainable sources can produce 50%-70% fewer ice crystal contrails at cruising altitude, reducing aviation’s impact on the environment, according to research conducted by NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Ice crystal contrail formations can linger in the upper atmosphere for hours and affect the way
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Dan Anderson from Pacific Northwest National Lab shared this illuminating slide guide at BETO’s Peer Review this year with the latest on PNNL’s work on building algae hydrothermal liquification (HTL) pathway to fuels, with the potential to meet BETO FY 2030 goal of $2.50/GGE. READ
by Tom Temin (Federal News Network) One way or another, bio-fuel will be part of the country’s energy future, especially to power ships and airplanes. That’s why the Energy Department’s ARPA-E is spending some $35 million in grant dollars to improve the efficiency of making this class of fuel. For details,
by Nichola Groom (Reuters/Yahoo! Finance) … The survey found “super-emitter” landfills accounted for 43% the measured emissions of the potent greenhouse gas methane – outpacing the fossil-fuel and agricultural sectors. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena and leak-detection firm Scientific Aviation have been conducting the flyovers since 2016. They found that
by Zia Abdullah (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) Cellulosic ethanol—produced from fibrous cellulose, which gives plants strength and rigidity—offers a range of attractive benefits. When used as a vehicle fuel, it can support deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, with a carbon footprint 73% smaller than conventional gasoline. Ethanol made from cellulose can
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The International Energy Agency just released “Net Zero by 2050: A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector, literally mapping out how the global energy sector can reach net zero by 2050 with clear milestones – more than 400 in total spanning all sectors and technologies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) NREL is working on decarbonization of fuels and chemicals production by looking at the integration of CO2 utilization into two existing conceptual biorefinery designs, the brutal reality of CO2 reduction, market trends, decreasing the cost of renewable electricity and utilizing CO2 to improve biorefinery carbon
(Bundesministerium fur Wirtschaft und Energie (Google translation)) New H2Global funding instrument launched – H2Global Foundation established — With today’s establishment of the H2Global Foundation by 16 well-known founding companies, another important milestone has been achieved for the international market ramp-up of green hydrogen. Through the H2Global Foundation, green hydrogen or derivatives are
Workshop on Biofuel Greenhouse Gas Modeling — February 28-March 1, 2022 — ONLINE Public Comments DEADLINE: April 1, 2022
EPA is hosting a virtual public workshop on biofuel greenhouse gas (GHG) modeling February 28 – March 1, 2022. This is a virtual meeting and open to the public. The purpose of this workshop is to solicit information on the current scientific understanding of greenhouse gas modeling of land-based crop biofuels